What we have here is a difference of opinion.
Renowned sportswriters and broadcasters, giants in the field, no doubt received salary plus bonuses in exchange for expert opinions about which Southeastern Conference football teams will excel this season.
Georgia is a given. Texas is a self-promoter. Alabama is a habit. Ole Miss, blessed with Lane Kiffin, won the transfer portal crown. LSU is a budding power just waiting to bloom. Missouri? Not again.
Being stuck in seventh place in the SEC forecast and left out of the top 25 by some famous national organizations raises one valid question: Why is the image so low for Josh Heupel’s fourth campaign?
Because Nico is young? The new secondary might somehow be worse instead of better? Are evaluations and recruiting simply not good enough? Is development flawed? Is Tennessee back to brick-by-brick building with the transfer portal wide open?
The Vols have been virtually ignored. OK, potential is different from production. Betting business says over and under on Tennessee wins is 8.3. That evaluation could be helpful. Some coaches like to hide in the weeds.
This underdog stuff is almost totally opposite the prevailing point of view in my modest circle of acquaintances. A surprising percentage says get the heck out of the way; Tennessee football is coming – in hot pursuit of a place in the historic 12-team championship playoffs.
The NCAA, being virtually toothless, has no official restrictions on optimism.
Nobody asked me but I believe exciting success by the baseball Vols may have caused confusion. Winning is far more difficult than talking about winning.
Hear ye the voice of experience (code word for old):
1. The power of positive thinking is very important but cover corners are worth more in the clutch.
2. Because the ball has pointed ends, it sometimes takes strange bounces. That and what officials do with their little yellow flags translates into the best team doesn’t always win.
3. Injuries are inevitable and can be devastating if they strike in wrong places. There are four or five indispensable Volunteers.
4. Football championships are rarely decided in July.
The reputation of the SEC and a 10-2 record might get the Vols into the title race. I think 10-2 is possible. I did not say probable. I’ve been to Georgia.
The schedule is not overwhelming but there isn’t much room for error. Indeed, Oklahoma and Alabama project as pivotal games. The Vols have not yet corrected the bad habit of finding ways to lose to Florida.
All road games, even Arkansas, are potential traps. Correction: Not all road games are high risks. Vanderbilt is an exception.
Tennessee does have talent. Depth looks decent at most positions, outstanding for the defensive front, not so comfortable for the offensive line or at running back. Senior leadership seems solid. Coaches grow far wiser each off-season after reflection on what they did right and wrong. Talk shows are said to be very helpful.
I just heard the other day that even an old man in a rocking chair can play safety when the passer is flat on his backside. That sets the stage for James Pearce Jr. to claim the spotlight. If he really is the best edge rusher in the country, he can help the new secondary look better than the previous one.
I and many much smarter believe the Vol offense will go as far as Nico takes it. He may not throw from one end zone to the other but he has plenty of arm, touch and smarts to deliver everything in the exciting Heupel playbook.
Hopefully, the coach won’t allow Nico Iamaleava to believe he is a fullback but he can run (scamper) and certainly extend plays when pressure is coming. He is nimble and quick.
If receivers look as good on grass as they do on the blackboard, the passing attack will be better. Think winning performances from an improved Squirrel White, a healthy Bru McCoy, a rediscovered Donte Thornton, key transfer Chris Brazzell and a capable supporting cast. Expect a surprise at tight end.
Dylan Sampson is the established runner. In his first career start, in the Citrus Bowl, he rushed for 133 on 20 carries. Iowa was shocked. It had limited Michigan to 66 rushing yards in the Big Ten championship game.
Pray for the health and welfare of the blocking group. Center Cooper Mays is one of the indispensables. Tackle Lance Heard is the vital newcomer. Dayne Davis is depth at three or four positions.
It will be good news if Nico takes the linemen to dinner and bestows token gifts of appreciation. He can afford it.
It is tempting to say how the restored secondary performs will determine Tennessee’s won-lost record. That might be unfair but the heat is on. There will be less experience and more athletic ability. Pressure on quarterbacks and improved coverage by linebackers will make us think defensive backs are better.
Clue: William Inge, new coach of linebackers, has praised the impact seventh-year senior Keenan Pili is having on young linebackers. Pili’s nickname is Grandpa. That is respect. He is 26.
Keenan suffered a season-ending injury in the 2023 opener. He was going to be the glue.
Bet on special teams being special. Coach Mike Ekeler is a flame-thrower and will deploy ambitious freshmen. The fearless Squirrel figures to return punts. Freshman Boo Carter should be a factor on kickoff returns.
So, does all that sound like seventh place or the stuff of champions? Is speed, strength and fourth-quarter courage enough to conquer the football world? The Vols will likely need great plays from somebody. A little luck might help.
If reality exists in today’s world, it doesn’t matter too much what media members think about the upcoming Tennessee football season. The Volunteers will, in time, provide definitive information.
As Josh so often says, go Vols!
Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com
